On World Animal Day, October 4, 2026, FOUR PAWS, a global animal welfare organisation, is urging South Africans to "see the world through their eyes." This year's theme challenges people to look beyond their own experiences and consider what animals need to live healthy, dignified lives. According to FOUR PAWS director Fiona Miles, animal welfare is about recognising that animals are sentient beings that can feel pain, distress, comfort, and joy.
Miles emphasised that improving animal welfare starts with understanding animals as individuals with specific physical, psychological, and behavioural needs. For instance, dogs need safety, companionship, and responsible care. Similarly, farm animals require space, appropriate living conditions, the ability to express natural behaviours, and humane treatment throughout their lives. In contrast, wild animals need freedom from exploitation and the opportunity to live according to their natural behaviours.
FOUR PAWS is advocating for farm animals to be given the space and freedom to express their natural behaviours on World Animal Day. The organisation urges the public to take practical steps that improve the lives of animals. Miles noted that small actions, when multiplied across communities, can make a significant difference. However, she also pointed out that many people care deeply about animals but are not always aware of how their everyday choices affect them.
To mark this year's theme, World Animal Day partnered with illustrator-in-residence Emma Jayne to create an insightful design highlighting the impact of human activity and climate change on marine ecosystems. Emma drew inspiration from the Coral Triangle, a vast marine sanctuary surrounding Papua New Guinea and one of the most biodiverse aquatic regions on Earth. The region supports 3,000 species of fish, 600 types of reef-building coral, 131 documented species of sharks and rays, and six of the seven species of sea turtles.
Emma's artwork brings this crisis into focus by inviting the world to see the ocean directly through the eyes of marine life. Her composition is a lens in the shape of a fish, through which we can see coral and coral bleaching. The perspective gazes upon the beauty of parrotfish, clownfish, sea turtles, dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, octopuses, and a sperm whale, a vivid visual reminder of the life beneath the waves.
As World Animal Day comes to a close, FOUR PAWS and other animal welfare organisations will continue to advocate for improved animal welfare in South Africa. The organisation's efforts aim to promote a culture of compassion and empathy towards all living beings. By working together, individuals can make a positive impact on the lives of animals and contribute to a more just and compassionate society.
Key points
- FOUR PAWS urges South Africans to consider animal needs on World Animal Day 2026.
- The organisation promotes practical steps to improve animal welfare.
- World Animal Day 2026 aims to raise awareness about animal welfare and promote compassion and empathy towards all living beings.
